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2009 Ford Fusion Bottom Line

March 27, 2009

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com's team of automotive experts researched all of the latest road tests of the 2009 Ford Fusion to bring you this definitive review of Ford's mid-size sedan. Editors at TheCarConnection.com have also driven the Ford Fusion for themselves in order to offer their expert opinions.

Likes:

  • Responsive steering/handling
  • Good looks
  • Cutting-edge entertainment systems
  • Available all-wheel drive

Dislikes:

  • No manual V-6 option
  • Fuel economy lags behind class leaders
  • Availability of stability control is limited

Buying Tips:


The 2009 Ford Fusion gets a new Hybrid version for the 2010 model year, if fuel economy is your top concern, and the other Fusion models will see improvements in safety and performance. Ford also markets the Fusion as the Mercury Milan, and since the Mercury is a slower seller, you may get a better deal on it from your salesperson.

The mid-size 2009 Ford Fusion sedan shares its basic architecture with the last-generation Mazda6, but the styling, both inside and out, and features lists are significantly different. The combination of upright, creased sheetmetal, the distinctive chrome front end, and the airy greenhouse with plenty of window space is, even several years after the Fusion’s debut, a refreshing departure from mid-size sedan styling convention.

The Fusion is powered by a 221-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 or 160-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. V-6 models of the 2009 Ford Fusion can be specified with either front- or all-wheel drive, while four-cylinders come only with front-wheel drive. However, the four comes with a standard five-speed manual gearbox, while automatic transmissions are featured on the rest of the line.

The 2009 Ford Fusion surprises with its sporting intentions in terms of handling, a rarity in the family sedan market. The styling also holds an aggressive appeal, although many consumers will be disappointed with the Fusion's fuel economy compared to the competition. The other major disappointment is that the V-6 Fusion doesn't have a manual transmission or even a manual-shift option for the automatic.

Inside, the 2009 Ford Focus has a pleasing design that dips a bit in execution. Materials quality can be hit-and-miss depending on the trim, though the driving position is nice and front seats are quite comfortable and supportive. Backseat space is a low point, with the Fusion ranking near the bottom of its class here (although it is a bit shorter than most rivals).

The base four-cylinder S trim is quite spartan, but the rest of the Ford Fusion SE and SEL trims—in four- or six-cylinder models—come well-equipped. The options list includes a DVD-based navigation system, a moonroof, and an Audiophile eight-speaker sound system.

Safety remains a mixed bag for the 2009 Ford Fusion. It’s achieved some very respectable ratings in crash tests, with almost top marks across the board, and both front side and full-length side-impact curtain airbags are standard, but electronic stability control is only offered as a $495 option—even on the top-of-the-line SEL.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Ford Fusion, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Altima comes with a manual-transmission option in four-cylinder versions, has great handling, and offers a little more room than the Ford. Car shoppers want style, and the new-for-’08 Accord has newly sharpened handling and a snappy shape. Meanwhile, the Camry is the more conservative choice in this class, with the best ride comfort and an especially spacious interior.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Ford Fusion is a great choice for those who place their priorities on style and handling, but if interior space matters to you, look elsewhere.

TheCarConnection.com's team of automotive experts researched all of the latest road tests of the 2009 Ford Fusion to bring you this definitive review of Ford's mid-size sedan. Editors at TheCarConnection.com have also driven the Ford Fusion for themselves in order to offer their expert opinions. Likes:Responsive steering/handlingGood looksCutting-edge entertainment systemsAvailable all-wheel driveDislikes:No manual V-6 optionFuel economy lags behind class leadersAvailability of stability control is limitedBuying Tips: The 2009 Ford Fusion gets a new Hybrid version for the 2010 model year, if fuel economy is your top concern, and the other Fusion models will see improvements in safety and performance. Ford also markets the Fusion as the Mercury Milan, and since the Mercury is a slower seller, you may get a better deal on it from your salesperson. The mid-size 2009 Ford Fusion sedan shares its basic architecture with the last-generation Mazda6, but the styling, both inside and out, and features lists are significantly different. The combination of upright, creased sheetmetal, the distinctive chrome front end, and the airy greenhouse with plenty of window space is, even several years after the Fusion’s debut, a refreshing departure from mid-size sedan styling convention. The Fusion is powered by a 221-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 or 160-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. V-6 models of the 2009 Ford Fusion can be specified with either front- or all-wheel drive, while four-cylinders come only with front-wheel drive. However, the four comes with a standard five-speed manual gearbox, while automatic transmissions are featured on the rest of the line. The 2009 Ford Fusion surprises with its sporting intentions in terms of handling, a rarity in the family sedan market. The styling also holds an aggressive appeal, although many consumers will be disappointed with the Fusion's fuel economy compared to the competition. The other major disappointment is that the V-6 Fusion doesn't have a manual transmission or even a manual-shift option for the automatic. Inside, the 2009 Ford Focus has a pleasing design that dips a bit in execution. Materials quality can be hit-and-miss depending on the trim, though the driving position is nice and front seats are quite comfortable and supportive. Backseat space is a low point, with the Fusion ranking near the bottom of its class here (although it is a bit shorter than most rivals). The base four-cylinder S trim is quite spartan, but the rest of the Ford Fusion SE and SEL trims—in four- or six-cylinder models—come well-equipped. The options list includes a DVD-based navigation system, a moonroof, and an Audiophile eight-speaker sound system. Safety remains a mixed bag for the 2009 Ford Fusion. It’s achieved some very respectable ratings in crash tests, with almost top marks across the board, and both front side and full-length side-impact curtain airbags are standard, but electronic stability control is only offered as a $495 option—even on the top-of-the-line SEL. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Ford Fusion, also consider:Toyota CamryHonda AccordNissan AltimaReason Why:The Altima comes with a manual-transmission option in four-cylinder versions, has great handling, and offers a little more room than the Ford. Car shoppers want style, and the new-for-’08 Accord has newly sharpened handling and a snappy shape. Meanwhile, the Camry is the more conservative choice in this class, with the best ride comfort and an especially spacious interior. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Ford Fusion is a great choice for those who place their priorities on style and handling, but if interior space matters to you, look elsewhere. TheCarConnection.com's team of automotive experts researched all of the latest road tests of the 2009 Ford Fusion to bring you this definitive review of Ford's mid-size sedan. Editors at TheCarConnection.com have also driven the Ford Fusion for themselves in order to offer their expert ...

Other Choices:

The Altima comes with a manual-transmission option in four-cylinder versions, has great handling, and offers a little more room than the Ford. Car shoppers want style, and the new-for-’08 Accord has newly sharpened handling and a snappy shape. Meanwhile, the Camry is the more conservative choice in this class, with the best ride comfort and an especially spacious interior.

Next Steps:

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See the Ford Fusion in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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